Hopkins vs Kovalev to get one episode version of 24/7 on Oct. 18

HBO will air a special version of "24/7" on October 18, previewing the big November 8 main event between Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev in a light heavyweight title unification bout.

Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KO) will put his IBF and WBA titles on the line against Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KO), whose WBO belt will be at stake. The winner will leave with three of the four recognized world titles at 175 pounds, leaving just WBC titleholder Adonis Stevenson, also considered the lineal champion in the division.

The 49-year-old Hopkins is trying to keep making history against arguably the biggest puncher he'll have ever faced, while Kovalev, 31, is of course aiming to retire a first ballot Hall of Famer.

The 30-minute special will premiere on Saturday, October 18, right after the World Championship Boxing show featuring Gennady Golovkin vs Marco Antonio Rubio and Nonito Donaire vs Nicholas Walters. After that, it will be available on HBO Go, HBO On Demand, and web sites, including ours.